Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix

by Sari Gilbert

It is 1980 and Clare Phillips, a beautiful, young British free-lance journalist based in Rome and her friend Daniel, a young American priest, visit an Etruscan tomb and make a macabre discovery. Clare realizes that a kidnapping has taken place and, with Daniel’s grudging help, decides to do some investigating on her own.

With a background in archeology, Clare is also covering the announced purchase by the Vatican’s Etruscan Museum of a valuable antique Greek wine cup – a kylix - painted by the world famous Euphronius. A major exhibit has been planned. The purchase turns out to have been engineered by an unscrupulous Argentinian archbishop and a greedy French diplomat, and Clare – with Daniel’s help - uses her contacts to dig deeper. She gets advice from fellow journalists, including Luca, an Italian investigative reporter with whom she’d had a brief passionate fling, works closely with several of Italy’s top investigating magistrates. But her determination to make a name for herself leads her repeatedly to strike out on her own.

Gradually several things become clear. First, that the purchase may have been made with “dirty money”, and second, that a avaricious Christian Democratic politician and his henchmen may also be involved in the kidnapping. Then, once the identity of the kidnapping victim becomes known, that the two events are inextricably linked.

Clare’s ambition puts her at risk on more than one occasion. The kylix will leave a bloody trail and the story, spun out against its Roman background, highlights the life of a dynamic foreign journalist in Italy.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2021

About the author

I've always been an avid reader: my third grade teacher, Miss Audain, was very impressed when I sailed through Felix Salten's 300 page "Bambi" (yes it's a real book!) perhapos leading to my New York school's decision to have me skip the fourth grade. And there's a fifth-grade class photo in which I am sitting at my desk wearing some sort of shawl and with an open book in front of me. I clearly remember wanting to come across as an "intellectual".
My love of reading might also explain why I stayed in school so long, although by the time I was studying for my MA, and later for a Ph.D, I was concentrating on political and historical books, as my chosen subject then was International Relations with an emphasis on Europe and, more particularly, on Italy. Yes, I fell in love with Italy at a tender age - even before college I was reading novels that were set in Italy or other parts of the Mediterranean - and so it may not be a surprise that I ended up in Rome where I have been living since the 1970s. Europe and and has been living in Rome since the 1970s when moved there to complete her graduate studies and then found work there as a reporter and foreign correspondent for a variety of prestigious US and Italian newspapers and magazines.
Except for fashion shows and soccer games, I covered just about every kind of news story there was to cover in Italy: elections, government crises, Mafia trials, terrorism, papal assassination attempts, immigration, political corruption, earthquakes, food, tourism, business and banking. In my first book, a memoir called "My Home Sweet Rome: Living (and Loving) in the Eternal City" , provides a comprehensive – and entertaining – look at the ins and outs of life in Italy a delightful, complicated and sometimes frustrating country. "Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix", my first novel, makes ample use of my experiences and observations during my long journalistic career. I hope you enjoy it and if you do, please write a review.

Reviews

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I choose to read this book because I am Italian? Yes, that's a big reason.

The book follows our MC Clare, a British journalist who works in Rome for an American newspaper, and her investigation. Everything starts when she and her friend Daniel, an American priest who's studying in Rome, visit an Etruscan tomb and accidentally find an ear hidden inside a bag.
The two, but mostly Clare, decide to bring the ear not to the local police (corrupted) but to an agent Clare knows very well in Rome. What they find is linked to a series of kidnappings that's been going on for some time in Italy. Pushed by her ambition and curiosity, Clare decides to start her own investigation that will bring her closer to the Vatican and the Mafia.

Let's first talk about the plot. The book is set in the 80s in Italy, a few years after the kidnapping of Moro and other political accidents. You can definitely tell the author knows a lot about Italian history, probably even more than me since I didn't know some of the names mentioned throughout the book. She can not only depict the political unrest of those years, but also the corruption of the Church and the Mafia problem. I wish I could say all three of those have been solved, but it actually feels like the book could have been set in recent years. The mystery itself was interesting, and even though we readers already know who's behind the kidnapping, it was fun to learn all the details and the people involved. This book has quite a lot of characters, and it follows different POVs which makes it easier to follow everything. I have to say I wasn't a super big fan of the MC but that's my personal opinion.

Another personal opinion has to do with the writing. Now, the book is written well and there are a lot of foreign expressions because not only English speakers are involved. What I didn't really like was all the random Italian words thrown into it. I am guessing the MC is speaking Italian all the time, so it doesn't make sense for her to say something in English and then repeat it in Italian. I mean, she isn't talking like that right? If, on the other hand she is speaking English... Well, it wouldn't make sense since people in Italy can barely speak English now, I can't even imagine in the 80s. It's not the first time I find this in a book set in Italy. If the Italian word has a translation, why not use it? It just disrupts my reading every time I see it. But, as I said, this is my own personal opinion.

One last thing. The MC mentioned how Italians had a very long lunch break of 3-4 hours and she wondered if things were ever going to be different in the future. Well, they aren't.

[Elizabeth Mosolovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix” by Sari Gilbert is an intricate crime novel full of twists and turns and a love of all things Italian.

Set in Rome and a few other cities in Italy in the 1980s, the book follows British journalist Clare Phillips who has been assigned by the Washington Post to cover Vatican news. When she and her American priest friend, Daniel, stumble upon a severed human ear, Clare sees this as a great career opportunity. Through her and Daniel’s contacts among other foreign journalists, priests, and the Roman police, she uncovers a kidnapping scheme that links back to a shady ancient antiquities sale involving an Archbishop, Italian politicians, and a foreign ambassador. No matter the threats and physical harm done to her, Clare continues to fight for the truth and her chance to make her name known among the international press. Throughout this she also deals with very personal problems, such as her feelings for Daniel and the consequences of a one-night stand with a married man.

This book was an intriguing look at Italian life, sprinkled with references to Roman architecture and Italian history and culture, especially food and language. There are tons of foreign words and phrases that provide authenticity to the setting and the characters, who come from many different countries (other foreign journalists and priests studying in Rome, for instance). The story is told through multiple POVs which give more dimension and clarity to the characters and plot involved. The cast of characters in this book is huge and there are definitely some I favored over others including over the main character, Clare. I can appreciate that most of the characters were morally nuanced, even some of the villains.

Things I didn’t like about the book include the structure. Sometimes page breaks and even chapter breaks came at odd times, giving a sense of choppiness. Other parts had a lot of telling rather than showing. I also got lost in the sea of characters at some points, and the plot itself was so complex it had to be recapped multiple times as characters told each other what they knew. There were also times I thought Clare acted foolishly or irrationally based on what had just happened to her.

Overall, this is a great read for someone who loves crime novels and/or books set in foreign locations. The author’s appreciation for Italy is plain throughout the book and is a great way for readers to learn about the country (keep in mind this is set in the ‘80s so things may not be accurate to today’s Italy).

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

An archaeological thriller: From Rome with (more than) love

With Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix, author Sari Gilbert delivers a wildly entertaining novel much instantiated in her own love and knowledge about la città eterna. This helps Clare's story, and her own experience of the roman eighties to unfold as plausible as it gets. It is almost effortless to find a very precise interweaving of the mythology behind the plot (Etruscan tombs included) and some sort of guilty recognition of Rome's own gravitational field as an origin of one and all.

The resource of the Kylix and the linkage to Greek culture as the nurturing mother of Roman magnificence, through the reference to Athenian pottery masters, is very well documented and introduced by Gilbert's intention. Her style often delves between archaeological formalist descriptions of artifacts or architectural spaces and a purely journalistic writing scheme that enriches the reading experience and the verisimilitude of Clare and Daniel's own digging. One could even argue that is quite outstanding how Gilbert has been able to convey such a story through the symbiotic relationship between a classic detective thriller —in regard to the unveiling of events, hints, truths, and motives— and the formal-technical execution of archaeology as an on-site empirical practice.

This conceptual tension keeps the whole novel together even during less compelling phases, in particular those related to the political struggle for power, money, and diplomacy advantage. Nevertheless, Gilbert's reflections on ambition and its simultaneity to Roman growth and relevance through history counterweights very effectively its shortcomings. The multiple point-of-view narration approach, which lets Clare's role rest for several moments of the novel, is a well-thought accomplishment by the author's final delivery in order to gather enough equilibrium.

For those readers who seek a crime-action novel fueled with nuances only perceived by an insider of the Caput Mundi par excellence: this is an easy pick for you. Eighties nostalgia and a wondrous story spilling over a city from which nostalgia originally derived. It's quite hard to wish for more.

[James W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sari Gilbert’s ‘Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix’ is a thrilling historical mystery that pairs a strong, resourceful female protagonist with an Indiana Jones-esque aesthetic.

Set in Rome during the early eighties, ‘Deadline Rome’ opens with Clare Phillips, a struggling journalist, deciding to visit an Etruscan tomb. But what begins as a bout of good-natured sight-seeing quickly turns serious when Clare and her tagalong for the afternoon, a priest named Daniel, stumble upon a gruesome discovery—a severed ear!

A short while later, while investigating a rare artifact for an assignment, Phillips begins to suspect that the famed ‘Kylix’ might actually be a fake. The more she digs, the more she realizes that the strange series of events she’s witnessed may actually be linked. Together, with the help of a reluctant Daniel, Clare sets out to unravel the tangled web of lies and deceit seemingly connecting every aspect of her stay in Rome.

From cover to cover, ‘Deadline Rome’ is just oozing with authenticity. Sari Gilbert has apparently spent a fair amount of time in Italy (she’s even credited with the ‘National Geographic guide to Rome’), something that is readily apparent in the author's vivid scene-setting and meticulous attention to detail. From the bustling streets to the skyline to the ancient ‘vibe’ permeating the ground beneath Clare’s feet, within a few paragraphs you begin to feel like you are in another place and time.

As for our protagonist—from the string of torrid affairs in her wake to the constant consumption of caffeine, Clare is like a female Indiana, only way more three-dimensional. Add to that the colorful cast of characters, a tightly-woven plot and some truly high-octane action sequences, and you have a book that delivers on multiple fronts.

While fans of historical fiction will likely eat this up, ‘Deadline Rome’ is the rare example of a book that truly crosses genres. Not unlike Dan Brown’s ‘The DaVinci Code,’ in a perfect world, Gilbert’s latest work would be the sort of book that ‘everyone has read,’ regardless of what genre they prefer. Fingers crossed this novel finds an audience—for my money, it’s one of the best slices of fiction I’ve read in years.

[CP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected the story to be focalized primarily through the young heroine and was pleasantly surprised by the shifting point of view. Not that Clare isn’t a terrific character: She is a bright, bold, and ambitious young British journalist reporting from Rome for the Washington Post, and her tireless investigatory work ends up exposing a good deal of thuggery and malfeasance. But I appreciated that the author also attended to the motives and preoccupations of various secondary characters, including several of the “bad guys” in the conspiracy plot.

The plot has quite a few moving parts and involves high-ranking members of the government, church, and mafia. It centers on a valuable Greek artifact, and Clare’s investigation requires her to draw on both her skills as a journalist and her academic background in archaeology.

The story moves at a brisk pace but still pulls us into its Italian setting: the weather, the traffic, the food, the social mores. Clare consumes an astonishing quantity of caffeinated beverages, as do her friends, neighbors, and adversaries. The period (early 1980s) is communicated through references to, for example, Margaret Thatcher, “new Walkman things,” phone booths, and rolls of film with 36 exposures. (Clare’s contributing-writer pay—10 cents a word—unfortunately doesn’t sound all that dated.)

Have I mentioned the hot priest? Daniel, a young American priest and Clare’s neighbor, is quite taken with Clare, but there are those pesky vows…

Clare is no shrinking violet, and a passionate affair with a married man gives rise to a secondary plot involving an unplanned pregnancy and the various obstacles Clare encounters when she seeks an abortion. (This particular subplot may soon become especially salient for U.S. readers.)

These subplots add interest and texture, but the novel is at its heart a conspiracy thriller. Clare’s investigation creates increasing difficulty for various figures involved in the conspiracy, heightening the tension as desperate men begin resorting to desperate measures.

Great story and great setting. Recommended!

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Deadline Rome" by Sari Gilbert is a thrilling journey back in time to the enchanting streets of Rome in the 1980s. This gripping novel follows the tenacious British journalist named Clare whose courage and intelligence navigates her career. In pursuit of a sensational story involving a severed body part from a historical site, she goes through a journey worth talking about. It takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through a web of intrigue and danger.

Gilbert masterfully weaves a complex plot that connects the gruesome discovery to a stolen Etruscan artifact, involving drug lords, corrupt officials, and criminal elements. Claire, a freelancer journalist,, blending her intelligence with her striking beauty to navigate the treacherous world of journalism and crime.

What sets "Deadline Rome" apart is its vivid setting. Gilbert's descriptions transport you to a time when life was lived in person, before the age of the internet and smartphones. With a keen eye for detail, the author paints a picture of sun-soaked streets, historic landmarks, and the enticing aroma of Italian cuisine, making you nostalgic for a bygone era.

The book also provides a glimpse into the complexities of Italian society, from the inner workings of the judiciary to the diplomatic community's privileged enclave. It sheds light on the challenges Clare faces in her professional life, revealing the camaraderie, sexism, and dangers of the international press bureau.

While readers may yearn for the simplicity of that era, Gilbert doesn't shy away from portraying the dark underbelly of Rome's "leaden years" marked by terrorism and organized crime. Clare's fearless dive into this world keeps you on the edge of your seat.

In "Deadline Rome," Sari Gilbert delivers a captivating tale with a richly drawn cast of characters and an immersive setting. It's a perfect blend of mystery, history, and the charm of a bygone era. So, if you're looking for a captivating read that will transport you to the heart of Rome's past, this book is an absolute winner. Get ready to be enthralled, and perhaps, like Clare, ready for your next adventure.

[S Prakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sari Gilbert's book, 'Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix,' is not just a regular story. It's like a special machine that takes you back to Rome in the 1980s. Sari Gilbert is good at describing things, and she tells stories well. In her book, you feel like you're in a place where people drink a lot of coffee, and there's always something mysterious happening. The main character is a brave journalist named Clare Phillips, and she's the main focus of the story.

The main character, Clare Phillips, is a strong and determined person. She's not just there to move the story along; she feels real and relatable. Her friendship with Daniel, the American priest, adds even more layers to the story. Clare is a woman dealing with a world where men have a lot of control, and she's doing her best to figure things out.

The plot itself is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue. Gilbert weaves a complex web of conspiracies involving Vatican politics, mafia ties, and a coveted kylix. As the layers peeled away, I found myself on the edge of my seat, eager to uncover the truth alongside Clare. The story is a puzzle, with each piece fitting seamlessly into place, and the final picture is nothing short of breathtaking.

However, it's not just the plot that shines. Gilbert's attention to historical accuracy is commendable, seamlessly integrating real-world events and cultural nuances of 1980s Italy. The author's background in journalism lends an authentic edge to the narrative, immersing the reader in the gritty world of investigative reporting. Sari Gilbert knows how to make Rome come alive in her writing. It's like she's painting a colorful picture with her words, making the city feel so full of life. You can imagine walking through the old streets and sunny squares, like stepping back in time.

What I liked about the book is the inclusion of Italian phrases, while adding authenticity. However, it might pose a slight challenge for those not familiar with the language. All I can say this is a must-read for anyone craving an immersive, intellectually stimulating, and thrilling experience between the pages of a book.

[S. Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Sari Gilbert, has lived in Italy for close to half a century and has apparently written a nonfiction book on the subject. Her love and knowledge of the city is evident in the extensive amount of setting detail that she incorporates into this archeology-centered suspense novel. Also, if you happen to be skipping this novel because it sounds too Dan Brown-ish, it is not.

Clare Phillips is a British journalist living in Rome when she discovers a severed human ear while exploring the countryside with her friend, a young priest named Daniel. The ear turns out to be the grisly tip of an iceberg that includes an Etruscan artifact, money laundering, a French diplomat, organized crime, and the upper offices of the Vatican. Although Clare is the primary protagonist, there is a wide cast of characters and additional points of view. The answers to the questions raised in the novel's opening are revealed gradually to the reader out of pace with the characters, a technique that can be risky in suspense novels, but which here mostly works as intended.

There are some minor flaws--like many thriller heroines, Clare is a bit slow to realize the extant of the danger she's in, despite the many and obvious indicators. Also, there are a few "as you know, Bob" type sections in which characters engage in needless dialogue to provide exposition to the reader. Readers who prefer the maximum amount of physical action may also be disappointed, as most of it is off-page or very brief.

Whatever the novel lacks in the thriller department, it more than makes up for by being a thoroughly enjoyable travelogue. The plot gives the characters plenty of excuses to zip between famous Italian landmarks, stopping for cappuccinos and/or grappa, and tossing off bits of historical trivia (seriously, I got hungry while reading it). If you're in the mood for something intriguing, immersive, and relatively light-hearted, you will find this novel a treat.

[Nicholas W R Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the 70s in Rome, and a beautiful young English freelance journalist, Clare Philips, is living in Trastevere and working for a major American newspaper. Funny that. I was a young(ish) journalist working in Rome in the 70s and I remember a beautiful young American freelance journalist living in Trastevere and working for a major American newspaper … but her name was Sari Gilbert. Sari has now written a terrific whodunit weaving together all those intriguing elements of life in Italy: politics, organized crime, the Vatican – and of course love and life, with Clare Philips – both tough and vulnerable in her personal and professional life – as the protagonist. Anyone who has read Sari’s excellent My Home Sweet Rome will know that she is an expert on all these things, and above all on Rome, her home town for many years now. For me, one of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the authenticity with which she conveys the journalistic experience. Not easy to do – I know, I’ve tried, and failed. Also, how it was to work in Rome in the 70s: how different it all was. No mobile phones – trying to find a phone box that hadn’t been vandalized, and fumbling with tokens to make it work so you could phone in a story. No internet – wrestling with telex rooms and not always helpful operators. The restaurants and bars remain pretty much the same, though, and plenty of strong Italian coffee is always available, though sadly the foreign press club has moved from Via Mercede. I enjoyed this first work of fiction from Sari enormously, and hope it won’t be the last. If Camilleri can do it for Montalbano, why not Sari for Clare Philips? And Amazon might like to think of a TV series.

[MR ANTHONY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written and page-turning thriller set in Rome in 1980. The author has lived and worked in Rome for many years and this is evident throughout the book in various ways. Indeed, there are a number of similarities between the author and the heroine of the book – some obvious, some to be guessed at. For example, both are journalists; both worked for the Washington Post; both live in Trastevere; both have one (or more than one) cat(s); both love living (and loving) in Rome; this results in a very convincing story, with numerous details of both Rome itself and the life of a journalist there in the 1980s. There are so many interesting facts about Rome that one could almost use the story as a guidebook – it would be fun to get on a scooter and retrace the heroine’s steps as she criss-crosses the city throughout the book. In doing so, one could also indulge in the heroine’s love of food and coffee – in fact, almost every episode in the book involves the characters either drinking a variety of different forms of Italian coffee or eating various different Italian foods; and as the book is mostly written from the heroine’s perspective, one might also admire the well-dressed Italian men whom one would encounter (as indeed the heroine does, on many, many occasions). The story itself is broken up into 73 short chapters, which makes the book extremely easy to read and ensures that the story moves very quickly. The plot is well-planned and is revealed to the reader largely through the heroine’s journalistic investigations – and by the time I got to chapter 63, which is a particularly dramatic one – I could hardly put the book down.

[Melissa Falabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sari Gilbert writes a Crime Thriller that grabs a reader's attention and makes it difficult to put down until they reach the end. While the book concentrates on solving a mystery/crime, the author adds in sprinkles of romantic intrigue adding in elements that encourages readers to keep going. The story involves branches of the Italian government, the Vatican, and the justice system. Readers travel through Italy and experiences many elements of the culture there through the eyes of journalist Clare Phillips who is the one to discovers that there has been a crime committed.

The storyline follows two different events, the first of which is the crime involving the kidnapping of a boy who is introduced during the first chapter. The second event in which the story follows involves a newly discovered artifact the Kylix and whether or not it is a fake. As the story progresses Philips is dragged deeper and deeper into mystery and danger.

It is a purchase that will not be regretted as Gilbert weaves a Crime Thriller that will not disappoint readers of Crime and Mystery, along with drawing in archaeology inclined readers as well. Readers who wishes to visit Italy but are unsure if they will be able to go or has future plans to travel there will enjoy how much details Gilbert includes of the culture there. They will enjoy all the elements of visiting Italy especially Rome that are mixed in throughout the storyline including the Italian words in various pieces of dialogue. Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix is a reverting crime thriller that buyers will hardly be able to put down until they reach the end and will not leave them disgruntled regarding the purchase.

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Sarah Monteiro, an art historian and archaeologist who stumbles upon an ancient artifact known as the Vatican Kylix, a mythical cup rumored to possess extraordinary powers. As Sarah delves deeper into the history of the Vatican Kylix, she becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy and danger that threatens the very foundation of the Church.

This is an intriguing and captivating book that combines elements of mystery, historical fiction, and religious intrigue. Set in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, this book takes you on an amazing journey through the Vatican's secrets, hidden mysteries and treasures.The mystery surrounding the Vatican Kylix keeps you guessing, and the suspense is maintained until the very end. The addition of art, religion, and power adds an intellectual layer to the story.

I really liked this book. The only reason I did not give it a higher rating is the complexity of the plot. This book incorporates lots of historical references, religious symbolism, and art historical details, which can be overwhelming at times. While this adds depth and authenticity to the story, if you are not familiar with these references, it may require some effort to fully grasp all the intricacies of the story.

Overall, "Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix" is a thought-provoking and engrossing novel that combines history, mystery, and intrigue. Sari Gilbert's meticulous attention to detail, research and engaging storytelling makes this a good book. If you have an interest in art, history, or religious conspiracy, this book is definitely worth picking up.

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set pre 1999 as Italy now uses the Euro. The crime drama involves the Mafia, the Vatican, the French Embassy, a judge and a myriad of policemen, holding it all together is an American journalist writing an expose. There are a lot of different characters, including acquaintances, journalist colleagues, shop owners and bartenders, which makes the story very stodgy and somewhat difficult to follow. For example, we have a meticulous description of a character who makes a meal with oil, garlic, herbs and pasta for the journalist Claire and then not long after is killed. Removing this character and the scene would arguably make no difference to the story. Equally every time a character travels in the city we get a detailed itinerary including the name of the street, where they turned, parked and any landmarks. I’m sure the author thinks we should be impressed with her local knowledge, but really all this does is slow down the action and contributes nothing to the plot. The constant reference to clothes, getting dressed and drinking coffee is something we all do and the reader does not need to be told this information either. On the other side, we know very little about the motives of the main players in this elaborate fraud and how they are related to one another. The ending does expose all the character’s involvement within the plot and concludes with a sinister note.

In short, it is an interesting story, but vastly over-written and would benefit from more attention to the main characters and their motives, rather than the waiters, coffee shop owners and ancillary staff.

[Aditya · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book was a wild ride, I dived into this without any prior expectations but it surprised me and surprised me real good. Overall it was a wonderful read.

The plot was very complex and the storytelling was interesting to say the least. The style of storytelling gave the story a great deal of depth, the only issue was that the story was too complex for its own good. It was very difficult to keep up with it at times, especially with the style of storytelling the author had chosen to implement. But that is not enough criticism, if you can keep up with it this was a gem of a story.

The characters were complex and almost all characters showed strong moral reasons for doing what they are doing. This trait makes for a great cast of characters. And this book has a lot of characters, and I mean a lot. Sometimes it was difficult to remember or keep up with all of them, nevertheless it was fun while it lasted and the aftertaste was also pretty good.

All in all, I loved this book and will recommend you to read it if you like mystery fiction and a tad bit of history lesson.

Also, thank you to the author for producing such a great piece of literature.

Thank you
Happy Reading

[Lily A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix" is a high octane tale that follows Clare Phillips, a young journalist from Britain, and a young priest, Daniel. Based in Rome, the story starts with the two friends visiting the Etruscan tomb where they come across a severed body part possibly from a hostage in a kidnapping.
Determined to find the truth, Clare convinces Daniel to join her in unraveling the mystery behind the discovery, believing this to be the road to her big break in her career. Soon, they find themselves embroiled in a much bigger plot that involves a wayward and greedy archbishop, a nefarious French diplomat, and the mafia in Rome.
Sari Gilbert has written a memorable story with all the mystery, suspense, and adventure in the right proportions. While inserting healthy doses of dialogue, the suspense created by the author across the chapters is a guilty pleasure the author succeeds in meeting. Buoyed with vivid descriptions and settings, a reader will certainly feel they are on a helicopter ride across Rome while also enjoying a well-executed story as well.
I enjoyed reading this book and will be on the lookout for more of the author's work.

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, allow me to say that I'm a sucker for mystery. Especially the ones that have a female lead who isn't a detective or a cop. The ones who have jobs that shouldn't lead to them into doing detective work, but it happens anyway, you know? Well, Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix by Sari Gilbert is one of those books. The main female lead in this book is Clare Phillips, who happens to be an archeologist turned journalist. This is one of the things that I like about Clare, because journalism wasn't her niche to begin with. It was her background in archeology that played a role into her being able to do and know the things that she knew in the book. You also have her partner in crime, Daniel, an American Priest, which adds a bit more to the story. You have some romantic tension in this story, but I like how it wasn't excessively used throughout it. I love how Gilbert made each chapter in the book more interesting every single step of the way. To anyone who likes a mystery that is kind of similar to the mystery stories on the Hallmark channel, you would definitely love this one. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

[Kibet]

Deadline Rome is a fascinating old-school story. Rome is a historic city, and the story depicts it as a classic. The author does amazing to make the story suspenseful all through. It’s what anyone would want for a mystery story. The representation of characters is spot on, which gives life to the story. The author is a great descriptor, with details carefully placed whenever necessary. It makes the story a mix of entertainment and a platform for learning more.
The story’s plot is admirable even without all the tech, reminiscent of many modern books. It’s easy to process and follow, and you'll learn a thing or two as you read on. The flow starts off slow and picks up with a good pace to reveal the mystery. Clair, the main character, is a journalist. Her role in the story speaks a lot about how the profession seems simple but can also be dangerous. The twists and turns in the story make it interesting until the very end. You never know what to expect. It’s fascinating how the author also combines crime and mystery with romance. The combination makes it even more interesting and complete as a mystery book.

[Julian Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I will include, trigger warnings. TW- use of r-word, abortion, kidnapping, violence, mentions of rape, assault

The story was a bit confusing with all the locations and characters at first even like 20% in, I couldn't forget what was going on or who people were. But history is interesting! The stories about Italian history and the artifacts were definitely fascinating to read.

But to be honest I feel like the book could be 100 pages shorter. I found that there was SO much description (appearances, setting, history) that I became distracted from the story I was reading. I had to take notes on who all the characters were, between the police force, a judge, criminal persons, reporters, doctors... I won't include spoilers, but it really got interesting toward the end, despite Clare's naivete considering she's a journalist.

It left a good setup for a sequel, and I'll be interested to see what happened to X character mentioned at the end that seems to be in danger. And to see if another character comes back to Italy.

Overall, decent book, but less overwhelming description would have been better.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never been to Rome, or Italy for that matter, I’ve only ever had an idea of what it may be like. However, the sheer detail of the environment, people, and culture - down to the way people use the language and the coffee - it feels like I have a much clearer and realistic understanding of the city.

Clare is a fiery and determined character who takes you, as the reader, into an investigation that you simply cannot ignore. Not until you find answers. The dialogue is quick, witty and easy to follow! Something that I often find can get clunky in mysteries due to people asking very staccato questions and breaking the flow.

The mixture of kidknapping, dirty money, murder, and suicide, make for a thrilling read. The history of the Kylix and interesting approach Clare takes to everything makes the unravelling of the story unpredictable, which makes it even more enticing.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy investigating crime, mystery, and thrillers with a depth of history and culture, a sprinkling of attractive Italian men and a touch of love.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Sari Gilbert and I read part of this book while she was still writing it. I liked it then and I like it even more now that it is finished. Crime is not my favorite genre but this book is so well paced and written with such verve that it is impossible not to get hooked. It is a real page-turner that involves the Vatican, an evil archbishop, a corrupt politician, a greedy diplomat, the Mafia and a precious Etruscan wine cup. The background of Rome in the 1980s is intriguing as is the insight into the daily life of an Italy-based foreign correspondent, especially one who is an attractive woman with, shall we say, an eye for the men. I found the Clare figure totally credible and loved her friendship with Daniel, the good-looking American priest. Does something develop between the two, I kept wondering? But I’m not about to do a spoiler here. Next question. Will there be a sequel with Clare a bit older and, who knows, wiser?

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sari Gilbert's 'The Vatican Kylix' is a wonderful crime thriller. Story is built around 1980's in Rome. Clare Phillips a young and dynamic freelance journalist is on a mission to investigate and unravel the mystery of a kidnapping with the help of her boyfriend Daniel. Kylix, an antique wine cup is also central to the theme. I will try not to spill more beans.
Narrative is fast paced and intriguing and the text is simple yet meaningful. The plot is compelling and complex yet made simple and clear by dividing the book into 73 short chapters.
The characters are so well crafted and portrayed that they seem genuinely relatable. The author has beautifully imbibed the history and culture of Rome which makes the plot all the more interesting and enriched. It is indeed an engaging read from the start to finish.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert sweeps readers away to 1980s Italy in this entertaining thriller. Class is a former archeologist who now works as a journal for The Washington Post. While exploring an Etruscan tomb with her friend Daniel, a young American priest, they make the grim discovery of finding a severed ear. Believing the ear to be possibly a body part of the victim of a kidnapping, Clare convinces Daniel to join her search for the truth. This book is part suspense, part love letter to Italy. The suspect aspect has enough trusts and turns to keep readers glued until the very end. As someone who has always been interested in history, my favorite part of the book was the depth that Gilbert would go into describing Italian culture as well as the architectural aspect. All in all this was an exciting thriller with low key beach read vines and is a great choice for anyone looking to switch up their TBR list.

[Dylan Kinloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before going on vacation, I had to find myself a new book to bring with me. A friend recommended Sari Gilbert's work, and specifically, "Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix". Without reading much into the synopsis, I picked up a copy as I embarked on my trip. Boy, was I in for a treat!!!

Gilbert crafts an intriguing plot set in 1980 Italy. The protagonist, Clare Phillips, is an up-and-coming journalist trying to make a name for herself and carve out a career. While exploring Etruscan Tomb, she uncovers the sight of what appears to be a murder scene. At that very moment, Clare's life would take a sudden twist. She suddenly sees a golden opportunity to break the murder story herself while also establishing herself in her career.

Amazing characters coupled with a compelling plot - Gilbert certainly delivers in her debut novel!!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadline Rome: The Vatican Kylix by Sari Gilbert is a solid novel. There are two stories to this book, one that follows a kidnapping and the other about an artifact that's been discovered. Both stories are a mystery in their own right and are fun to follow.

The best part about this book was the setting. The author really captured Rome and Italy in a beautiful way, even though the story is set in the 80s.

However, there were some parts that were hard to follow. For example, there are many characters to keep track of and sometimes the structure was a bit hard to comprehend. This is definitely a book I'll have to read again to get the full understanding of it, but it's a good book that I don't mind re-reading.

[Jodi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-packed novel set in Italy in the 1980s. Clare was once an archeologist and now is a journalist for the Washington Post. Do you know what archeology and journalism have in common? Digging to find the story. Except Clare is new to journalism and doubts her career change. Even as she and her friend Daniel stumble upon a severed ear and one heckuva story. Set in Rome this story will make you want to travel to Italy. There is an authenticity throughout the story (the food, the language) that just makes you want to be there. The only downside to this novel is the number of characters - there is a lot to keep up with. But they give insight into what's going on outside of Clare's POV and the reader is caught up to the plotline. Enjoyable read - 4/5 stars.

[Chris P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadline Rome: the Vatican Kylix is a captivating and well-paced mystery story. The reader is thrown into the action from the word go, though the author also takes the time to build a large ensemble of likeable characters around whom the story is focused. I found the author's writing style to be interesting and easy to read, and I found myself longing to visit some of the locations to which the characters are taken, and to further research the time, era and the subject matter of the book. I have seen other reviewers make the comparison to Dan Brown, and whilst this book falls a little short, in my opinion, of the thrill and excitement of those books, it is reminiscent in style. An enjoyable read overall.

[Viga Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...hard to believe this is Sari Gilbert's first foray into fiction, but then, after all, why am I surprised? Her delightful and talented protagonist, Clare, is a journalist, just like Sari, so the novel immediately feels authentic i.e. this is an author who knows what she's writing about! And talk about an exciting plot centered around greed, corruption in the VAtican and diplomatic circles, the mafia, and...well, danger is everywhere. The action and intrigue never lets up. What a terrific movie this would make, with its exciting setting in Rome that Sari Gilbert knows so well and works so cleverly works into her story without bogging down the pace. This novel is a feast for the eyes and the imagination. Bravo!

http://www.vigaboland.com

[Donna Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a fun Dan Brown novel. The lead character is wonderful and dynamic. You can tell that the author has added details from her own life into this novel and it certainly enriches it. The chapters are short, and this makes it a compulsive read because you can’t wait to find out what comes next.

The locations are well documented and filled with such vivid detail that it feels like you are there, walking in the same steps as Claire. The great thing about this novel is that it doesn’t seem like a research dump, all the information that is woven in seems natural and adds to the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone in search of a fresh adventure.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the early 1980s in Rome, this page-turner of a novel takes a few familiar ingredients - the Vatican, corruption, intrepid young journalist abroad - and transforms them into something both fresh and gripping. The story is satisfyingly complex, the balance between action and emotion adeptly handled, and the characters, particularly that of Clare, the heroine, and her priest friend, Daniel, fully realised. The author's knowledge of Rome and Italy, both historically and politically, is evident on every page, reflecting her own experience as a journalist in the Eternal City.

[Al Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed reading this book!
The story line was well constructed, flowing in one direction at a time. There were a lot of characters involved in this book who were actually part of the story.
I found two things bugging me: 1) Typos (very few) congratulations on that score. the second was introducing persons by different names. Such as Clare, who is also Ms Phillips plus the Italian name for Miss.
The descriptions of Rome and areas are pretty darn good. I could actually picture the churches, basilicas, fountains.
I believe I want to read the next one.